Euronews is based in Lyon. It's the only influential Fr news network I know of that is not based in Paris, and Lyon is not exactly the best friend of Paris you could think of... It is intended to be a rival of Paris whenever possible.

But this news network from Lyon is entirely devoted to our European Union. It is the only one of this kind I know of.

So, that problem in Germany (most noticeably in Berlin) has been something scaring the crap out of everyone here. And it's pissing them all off, cause it's betraying our common values.
How can you explain someone working 40 to 50 hours a week would live in poverty?
Fuck, no. That will not be.

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psst... A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. (John 13:34)
I like bass. Give me some.

So, that problem in Germany (most noticeably in Berlin) has been something scaring the crap out of everyone here. And it's pissing them all off, cause it's betraying our common values.

Scaring ? The people portrayed in the euronews are about 10% of the German demographics.

As a matter of fact, the unemployment rate in Germany is one of the lowest in the EU. Even the youth unemployment is almost the lowest in Europe. The German approach tends to emphasize Work. For those who cannot afford a living with their jobs the welfare state provides additional financing. The living standard for these 10% of the workforce is still pretty good. Plus: They are productive.

I think they're scared mainly because of a lack of social mobility here. Everyone has been more or less stuck in their social class and conditions, which is depressing.
It's not so much a problem of productivity (see related data, the Fr workforce is pretty productive too), we're only missing opportunities due to a lack of flexibility. People want to be over-protected here, which essentially comes from a feeling of distrust widespread over society.

It's always much better to keep people at work, so as far as I go and generally speaking, I agree on the principle in effect over Germany these days, if and only if there's actual and effective upward social mobility over there. Working is great, just as long as you have hope to eventually improve your social situation as a reward.

I'm still feeling sorry for the 60-yo staged in their report, though. That's the disturbing thing in there. The "work-or-die" system is too rough by that age.

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psst... A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. (John 13:34)
I like bass. Give me some.

It's always much better to keep people at work, so as far as I go and generally speaking, I agree on the principle in effect over Germany these days, if and only if there's actual and effective upward social mobility over there.

I do read quite a lot of economic data from many countries around the globe. I came to the conclusion that 10-15 % of the population in many Western countries do have problems to leave their social backgrounds and have troubles to make a living on their own. There are many reasons: one of them is the lack of education levels.

BUT, the German system provides free education opportunities for all ages and at all career levels for those who are able and willing to engage. It is possible to take the destiny in your your own hands.

And quite frankly: I assume that the French media do portray the misfortunate part of the German society a little to often. Thats maybe why the perception of "lack of social mobility myth" is so persistent. In the end Germany is very stable middle class society. The wealth level is comparable with Switzerland or Sweden. Its a typical Northern European Social Welfare state.

Sorry, I was speaking of lack of flexibility, of opportunities and of social mobility here in France where many of the business communities complain about excessive regulations, as opposed to what the German situation might be today, since the liberal bills they passed over 10 years ago.

BTW, "Liberal" should be understood as very pro-business here, not exactly in the North American meaning of it.

I just thought I had to make it clear. English is only a 2nd language, you know...

Anyway, you'd be wrong to go paranoid about what the French may say. Current feelings about Germany are just mixed over here when it comes to economic policies. Liberals find it great and mention it as a role model to be followed in today's Europe, whereas the French socialists and the loud far left harshly criticize your country. Even some more moderate social democrats are still a bit skeptical in France. That's it.

Liberals find it great and mention it as a role model to be followed in today's Europe, whereas the French socialists and the loud far left harshly criticize your country. Even some more moderate social democrats are still a bit skeptical in France. That's it.

Yup.
I´m aware of the French Left criticizing the German labor market reforms.
In general, the Schröder reforms can´t be replicated 100% because every EU country has different preconditions.

But, and thats probably a consensus mindset in both major German parties (center-left SPD and center-right CDU), bringing more people to work is seen more "social" for the individual wellbeing than having large numbers of unemployed people. Even if this implies a little more pressure from the state.

The fundamental believe for the emphasize for work in Germany leaves many commentators wondering why France is so hesitating to do something comparable.

Anyway, this is rather domestic politics. France and Germany with many other longterm EU members like the Netherlands or Italy have a lot do in order to keep the European Union modern, social and united. There is rather a common agenda then a dividing one.